Conference Phone

A conference phone is the easiest way to conduct or participate in a meeting. Using a conference phone is ideal where audio is more important than visual. If documents are being discussed, they can be emailed in advance, placed on the web, or use shared cloud space, such as http://live.com, Google Docs, http://dropbox.com, etc.

Most conference rooms are equipped with a conference phone with a built-in speaker and microphone. By simply pressing the SPEAKER button on the phone, a small group (1-8) gathered within 10 feet or so can both hear and be heard. A MUTE button allows you to silence your side of the conversation. The Walla Walla Community College phone system allows for up to 3 remote sites to call one phone number and be joined into one conference call without the need for a separate conference bridging service.

To Make a Conference Call (3 or Fewer Sites):

Enter 9 (or 8 for SCAN), then the first telephone number

When the party answers, ask them to hold until you call the other person(s)

Press the button with the telephone handset icon (Hold) or the “Conf” button

Dial 9 (or 8), then the second number. When that person answers, let them know you are going to connect them to the conference

To add a third person, repeat steps three and four

Press the Conference button again, and check in with all parties

If A Caller Dials Into the Line: Watch for a light to flash. Press CONF to park your current attendee(s) and pick up the next caller by pressing the button next to the flashing light. Press CONF again to join them into the conference. You do have to pay attention though, so some people prefer an external bridging service where each site calls one central number and the organizer is not the operator, as the following section explains.